In recent days, Xishuangbanna and other parts of Yunnan have been bustling with activity, as a variety of traditional Water-Splashing Festival events draw large crowds of both domestic and international visitors.

The Water-Splashing Festival, an important holiday for the Dai, De'ang, and Blang ethnic groups,  is now recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Photo taken on April 13th shows people setting off Kongming lanterns along the Lancang River in Jinhong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)

Since the implementation of the 144-hour visa-free policy for ASEAN tourism groups entering Xishuangbanna, more and more visitors from ASEAN countries are coming to Xishuangbanna to celebrate the Water-Splashing Festival. The joyful sounds of the water-splashing, the enchanting rise of Kongming lanterns, and the exhilarating dragon boat races all combine to give domestic and international tourists a true taste of the festival's vibrant energy.

According to the Xishuangbanna Cultural and Tourism Bureau, the Water-Splashing Festival events held from April 12th to 16th, 2025 drew 2.2263 million tourists to the region, a 9.57% increase year-over-year. Total tourism revenue is estimated at 2.665 billion yuan, a 7.20% increase.

On April 14th, Jinghong City in Xishuangbanna hosted a unique cultural parade that blended ethnic and folk traditions. This "Citywalk-style" cultural extravaganza featured nearly 3,500 performers and offered the audience an immersive cultural experience.

One performance, in particular, caught the eye: a team of eight robotic dogs, decorated with ribbons and flowers, executed acrobatic flips, sways, and spins in perfect time with the music, wowing the crowd.

One spectator exclaimed, "Who knew that robotic dogs could 'dance' to the music!" Another added, "It's amazing how traditional festivals and modern technology can be so perfectly integrated!" "It's so cool to see robotic dogs at the Water-Splashing Festival!" chimed in yet another. The audience enthusiastically captured the high-tech display with their phones.

Photo taken on April 14th shows tourists holding out their phones to capture the ethnic cultural parade on the streets of Jinhong City of Xishuangbanna. (Xinhua/Xiaoxiang)

Peng Xiaoping, from Sihanoukville, Cambodia, made a special trip to Xishuangbanna to celebrate the Water-Splashing Festival. Having purchased a waterproof bag beforehand on a shopping app, she remarked, "I didn't expect it to arrive in less than three days. The delivery speed was so fast!

After enjoying the festivities, Peng Xiaoping excitedly shared her plans to bring more friends from Cambodia next year. She was eager to tell her family and friends back home about the visa-free policy for ASEAN tourists. "Although Cambodia also has a Water-Splashing Festival, the celebrations here are much grander, with so many more activities. I especially loved the cultural performances that blend tradition and modernity – it was truly refreshing," Peng said.

Photo taken on April 15th shows people enjoying the water-splashing celebrations at Poshui Square in Jinhong City. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)

The opening of the China-Laos Railway has greatly simplified travel between Laos and Xishuangbanna for Lao students studying in China. Liu Danrou, a Lao student, forged new friendships with people from Southeast Asia during the Water-Splashing Festival, further deepening her appreciation for the unique appeal of "China Travel".

Photo taken on April 13th shows actresses performing at the Dai New Year Celebration (2025 Water-Splashing Festival) event. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)

The lure of "China Travel" extends even to the rural areas of Xishuangbanna. Hamis, from Tanzania, who has lived and worked in China for 17 years, journeyed to Xishuangbanna for the Water-Splashing Festival via the China-Laos Railway for the first time. The well-preserved Dai stilt houses and serene countryside of Manyuan Village completely captivated her. She also tried her hand at making Dai pottery. "Although my first attempt wasn't perfect, the experience was so much fun!" Hamis exclaimed.

Foreign visitors are a common sight not only in Manyuan Village but also in many other traditional villages throughout Xishuangbanna. This influx of international tourists, from city to countryside, showcases the success of China's rural revitalization strategy and the high-quality development of the county economy.

Photo taken on April 15th shows tourists from the US splashing water at the Poshui Square in Jinhong City. (Xinhua/Wang Xiansi)

"Need help? Contact the police!" This motto applies to foreigners, too. To better serve international visitors, the Xishuangbanna police have established a dedicated foreign-language service desk manned by officers fluent in English, Thai, Lao, and other languages. They offer one-stop service to foreign tourists, encompassing police consultations, safety guidance, and emergency assistance, thus fostering an international tourist-friendly environment.

The ascent of Kongming lanterns along the Lancang River. Photo provided by Xinhua

"The Water-Splashing Festival is more than just a traditional holiday; it's a window into Chinese culture," commented Sui Jianfei, Director of the Xishuangbanna Cultural and Tourism Bureau. "Moving forward, we will continue to refine our services, enabling even more international tourists to experience the allure of 'China Travel.'"

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Ines, Jennifer)